Create an elegant patio or balcony by selecting furniture that complements the aesthetics of your garden and setting a budget so as not to overspend.
Patio furniture that’s exposed to rain and sunlight may quickly deteriorate over time, but quality pieces will last for years. Choose from various materials like wicker or wood to create the ideal outdoor living space.
All-Weather
If you’re searching for patio furniture that will offer comfort while standing up to local weather conditions, there are various options available to you. All-weather materials such as recycled plastics or landfill-bound products tend to be eco-friendly while remaining lightweight enough for easy maneuverability around the patio when necessary. Furthermore, your furniture’s frame material could make an important distinction.
Wicker and metal outdoor furniture options are highly popular options for all-weather outdoor seating solutions, as both are durable, cost-effective, and offer classic looks to complement any home. Metal frames typically feature a rustproof coating to withstand weather elements while woven wicker has soft yet flexible weave that can withstand both sun heat and rain without issue.
One of the key elements to keep in mind when purchasing all-weather patio furniture is how it will be utilized. Will it primarily serve as an accent piece or will you use it mainly for relaxation purposes? For optimal relaxation in your garden, selecting a chair with cushioned back and seat would likely work best, while for entertaining guests a dining table with matching chairs might be more suitable.
Other considerations when designing all-weather patios include temperature and rainfall trends in your region. High humidity levels can cause wood to splinter while moisture may lead to mold growth and rot; strong winds may also impact lightweight furniture such as aluminum pieces; while direct sunlight may fade and degrade some materials over time. It’s also worth taking into account whether snow or ice accumulation might occur in colder climates that might require protecting furniture against its effects.
Wicker
Wicker patio furniture is an excellent addition to any outdoor seating area, offering an array of styles and designs from traditional to contemporary. Wicker furniture requires little maintenance to remain looking its best and boasts an assortment of colors to choose from.
Natural wicker furniture is created from plant materials used by ancient Egyptians to fashion baskets. Though ideal for use indoors or outdoors when stored away from rain, snow, and moisture, natural wicker may not stand up well under harsher weather conditions – that is why outdoor furniture constructed using synthetic resins tends to last much longer.
Aluminum frames for wicker pieces provide corrosion-proof support. Look for quality construction with sturdy welded joints. The outer layer should be handwoven using different fibers to form an eye-catching pattern; tight weave strands with varied textures should create this look. Avoid furniture that features large gaps or smooth shiny strands as this could indicate poor quality construction or manufacturing processes.
Select all-weather wicker furniture for maximum durability. This furniture typically consists of resin and plastic blended together into a wicker pattern to resist rain, moisture and UV damage over time.
High-quality wicker furniture may be costly, but it will provide attractive and comfortable seating that lasts for years – saving money over time thanks to reduced maintenance requirements. Additionally, its longevity means less repair expenses will need to be covered over time compared to other forms of furniture.
Wood
Wood patio furniture adds an air of sophistication and durability to any outdoor living area, making it an excellent investment. When selecting which wood to use, consider your local climate; some natural woods are sensitive to humidity changes and can become warped or cracked over time; tight grain woods often better resist environmental conditions than loose grain designs.
Teak and Ipe are two of the most commonly used woods for outdoor furniture construction, thanks to their hard and durable nature, respectively. Ipe stands up well against rot and insect damage while Teak’s naturally oily surface requires no regular maintenance to stay looking its best.
Additional wood options to consider for outdoor furniture include cypress and eucalyptus. Eucalyptus offers similar durability as teak at a lower cost point; however, it may be susceptible to rot and insect damage.
Wood furniture tends to be less resilient than poly furniture, so it is crucial that when selecting this type of piece, warranties should be read thoroughly before purchasing this type. In general, the higher quality the wood, the longer it will last; naturally decay-resisting species like teak and cedar tend to cost more but offer greater longevity.
While natural woods are durable, they still require protection from the elements. Moisture accumulation can lead to mold and mildew growth that poses health concerns for those exposed. Regularly cleaning with wood cleaners like WOCA helps extend its life.
Metal
Aluminum, stainless steel and wrought iron patio furniture all offer classic looks but can easily rust when exposed to moisture or salt air in coastal regions. Aluminum offers more of a durable solution which resists corrosion while being lighter in weight than its heavier metal counterparts; making it easier for customers to move around their space as the weather changes or for cleaning purposes.
Steel can be more of a challenge to maintain due to its ability to react with ambient temperatures and absorb either heat or cold, potentially creating discomfort for guests. Furthermore, this heavy material makes moving furniture difficult for your customers, making maintenance costs higher than aluminum options.
Not only should you select the appropriate metal type for your furniture, but you should also take into account your overall design aesthetic and feel of your outdoor space when selecting one. Consideration must be given to how other pieces in the patio affect your choice so as to achieve an integrated and pleasing design result.
Metal patio furniture comes in many different styles and silhouettes to meet any outdoor space’s vision, from sleek silhouettes and clean lines to intricate ornate detailing that adds dimension. Either way, metal patio furniture makes an elegant yet affordable addition to any outdoor living area – turn a simple backyard into an inviting gathering spot where family time will flow more freely!
Composite
As its name implies, composite patio furniture combines elements of wood with other materials to form durable outdoor seating and dining furnishings. Manufacturers combine wood scraps and waste with recycled plastics, organic materials such as rice husks and bamboo dust as well as synthetic fibers to produce stylish weather-resistant pieces that require less upkeep than traditional wicker, rattan, and PVC plastic patio furnishings.
Composite furniture can last 15+ years with proper care and cleaning. Daily and regular care will keep it looking like new; everyday mess such as food debris, oil drips, condensation rings and mud/grass/tree sap residue can easily be removed with warm soapy water, soft scrub brush and elbow grease on textured surfaces. To treat mildew or mold issues on composites use equal parts bleach/water spray bottle solution applied directly onto affected areas and scrubbed off before rinsing thoroughly afterwards; harsh chemical cleaners, abrasive scouring pads or nail polish remover should be avoided as they could damage or dull its smooth sheen finish over time.
Composite patio furniture boasts an incredible array of styles to meet every design preference. Some options blend modern upscale aesthetics with natural wood grain patterns and textures while others are more casual in appearance. Deep seating composite chairs make great spots to relax in while sipping cocktails or reading a good book, or opt for wood-like dining sets when hosting dinner parties.
As is true of any outdoor furniture, composite pieces should be stored indoors during winter to protect them from freezing temperatures, ice, and snow which can damage them over time.
